UConn School of Fine Arts

✨ SFA Notable Alumni Spotlight: James F. “Jim” Ingalls ’72 ✨

A graduate of UConn School of Fine Arts' Department of Dramatic Arts, where he studied Theatre (Design, Technical Theatre, and Stage Management), Jim Ingalls has built an internationally acclaimed career in lighting design.

Over more than 45 years, he has collaborated with director Peter Sellars and worked across theatre, opera, ballet, modern dance, and symphonic concerts around the world. He has also returned to UConn to share his expertise as a guest lecturer.

What did Jim learn from SFA? "The joy of the collaborative group effort, the commitment and rigor required, and the thrill of creating."

Learn more about Jim and other accomplished SFA alumni: https://sfa.uconn.edu/notable-alumni/

SFA Alumni in Action: Jason Rosen '95. We are incredibly proud of our talented alum, Jason Rosen, author and founder of Skinwalker Studios! His hit graphic novel, "Monsterwood," is a proud featured selection for the Connecticut Authors Trail library series. Created alongside an award-winning artistic team, this epic fantasy is a true community favorite.

Please join us in celebrating Jason’s incredible storytelling and creative success! Learn more about Monsterwood: www.monsterwood.com.

What do Broadway, the Met Gala, and UConn have in common? Assistant Professor of Costume Design Sarita Fellows.

A New York-based costume designer whose work spans Broadway, regional theater, film, and dance, Fellows brings a unique artistic perspective to every project. In the latest podcast episode, she shares insights on costume design, storytelling, and why events like the Met Gala are about more than fashion—they're art.

From "Othello" and "Death of a Salesman" to the classroom, Fellows is helping shape the next generation of creative talent at UConn.

🎧 Tap the link to listen to the podcast and hear from one of the industry's accomplished design professionals: https://uconn.edu/uconn360-podcast/episode-164-a-costume-designer-at-uconn/

🐶 Meet Cricket! An adorable pup, expert toy destroyer, and unexpected artistic muse.

When UConn art professor Douglas Degges noticed a growing pile of well-loved dog toys destined for the landfill, he saw more than chewed-up ropes and squeakers. He saw color, form, design, and inspiration for his latest creative work.

Read how life as a dog dad sparked a new artistic exploration and discover the story behind the toys, the art, and the pups who inspired it.

Read the full story in UConn Today: https://today.uconn.edu/2026/06/used-dog-toys-a-favorite-medium-for-art-professor/?utm_source=uconn-today-plugin

The UConn School of Fine Arts mourns the passing of Jacqueline M. Fawcett, PhD, FAAN, RN, whose service on the School of Fine Arts Advisory Board reflected her lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and community.

An internationally acclaimed nurse scientist, educator, author, and theorist, Dr. Fawcett helped shape the field of nursing through her groundbreaking scholarship and mentorship. She was a thoughtful advocate for the arts and higher education, and her guidance and generosity left a lasting impact on the School of Fine Arts.

We are grateful for Dr. Fawcett's contributions and extend our sincere condolences to her husband, Professor Emeritus of Art John Fawcett, as well as her family, friends, colleagues, and former students. Her legacy of service, scholarship, and compassion will be remembered by many.

Celebrate Pride all June with the UConn Alumni community! 🏳️‍🌈🐾 Join us for UConn Pride 2026—march in person at Middletown Pride on June 6 or celebrate from anywhere with a Pride Pack delivered to your door.

All UConn alumni, friends, and supporters are welcome. Register today to be part of the celebration and receive your exclusive UConn Pride T-shirt. Register Here: https://na.eventscloud.com/website/96206/

Congratulations to UConn School of Fine Arts alum Dylan Ferris ’23 (Digital Media & Design) on earning a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Graphic Design as part of the NBC Sports creative team behind the return of NBA on NBC and Peacock.

The award winning project reimagined one of sports television’s most iconic brands, blending nostalgia, innovation, and storytelling to honor the legacy of NBA on NBC while creating a bold new visual identity for a new era of basketball.

We’re proud to celebrate Dylan and the talented creative team whose work is helping shape the future of sports media and design.

What does the future of music education look like in the age of AI? At UConn School of Fine Arts, it starts with world-class mentorship, human connection, and interdisciplinary learning.

In a recent conversation hosted by Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Pamir Alpay, internationally acclaimed concert violinist and UConn Music Professor of Violin and Viola Solomiya Ivakhiv joined graduate teaching assistant and Doctor of Musical Arts student Yi Charice Tang and undergraduate violin student Antonio Avilés Figueroa ’27 (SFA) to discuss why artistry, creativity, and emotional connection cannot be replicated by technology.

It’s another example of how UConn School of Fine Arts students learn directly from globally recognized artists, educators, and innovators —preparing them to lead in the arts and beyond.

Read more in UConn Today: https://today.uconn.edu/2026/05/we-are-not-simply-training-musicians-a-conversation-with-interim-provost-pamir-alpay/

SFA Alumni in Action: Ebonie Marie ’25

Earlier this month, UConn Dramatic Arts alum Ebonie Marie ’25 returned to Connecticut as one of the lead choreographers for Act Up Theater’s production of "Matilda: The Hip-Hop Musical Remix" in Hartford, the state capital.

Ebonie choreographed several major numbers in the production, helping inspire the next generation of young performers through the arts. We love seeing our alumni giving back to communities across Connecticut and beyond.

We’re so proud of you, Ebonie! 💙🎭